In this explosive episode of Silk and Steel Podcast, David hosts historian and geopolitical analyst Carl Zha for a sweeping conversation on the rapidly changing global order.
From the fallout of the US-Israel-Iran conflict to Taiwan’s political future, Japan’s remilitarization, and Donald Trump’s controversial trip to China, this discussion dives deep into the geopolitical transformations reshaping Asia and the world.
Carl explains why many countries are beginning to question the credibility of US military power after the West Asia conflict, how Taiwan’s internal politics are shifting away from confrontation, and why China believes time is on its side.
The conversation also examines:
• Why US weapons sales to Taiwan may be more about economics than defense
• How rare earth controls are changing the balance of power
• Trump’s misunderstood meeting with Xi Jinping
• The real meaning behind the “Thucydides Trap” discussion
• Why Japan’s wartime gestures toward Australia sparked controversy in Asia
• The growing push for Japanese remilitarization
• How energy shortages and supply chain disruptions could impact the global economy
• Why Carl believes the US security structure in Asia is under pressure
• The future trajectory of US-China relations
Carl also discusses how younger generations in Taiwan increasingly view mainland China differently, the role of economics and culture in cross-strait relations, and why Beijing remains strategically patient.
